FSNE S-t-r-e-t-c-h Your Food Dollars Display

UNMANNED DISPLAY

Try to limit your visuals; the display contains a lot of information in itself, so too many additional visuals could detract from the main message. Below are some suggestions to accompany this display:

• Display handout

• “Stretch Your Food Dollars” and “Shopping Tips” handouts

MINI SESSION

The following activity is for use with the display in a 15-20 minute session. Your goal is behavior change, so discuss the display, use opening questions to personalize this activity, conduct the activity, and send the participants off with a good idea of the goal (to try several of the smart shopping techniques if not already using them).

Take Home Messages

• People will save money when they use these tips. •Thoughsavingasmallamountoneachpurchasemightnotseemsignificant,itdoesaddup over time. •Unitpricingdoesnotneedtobedifficult;encouragepeopletocomparepricesandseethe differences themselves. • Saving money on groceries does take a bit of planning and time, but is worth it in the end.

Opening Questions

• Ask, “What are some ways you save money on groceries now?” • Ask, “What are some advertising strategies you have seen at the grocery store that have cost you money when you’re buying groceries?”

S-T-R-E-T-C-H Your Food Dollars!

Use a shopping list• Write down things as you run out of them during the week.• Read the grocery store ads to see what is on sale.• Check to see what you have on hand.• Plan meals and snacks before you shop.• Make a shopping list of everything you need.• Stick to your list when you shop.

Compare food prices• Use the unit pricing stickers on the grocery shelf to find the lowest prices.• Buy store brands instead of national brands.• Use coupons if the price is lower than the price of the the store brand.• Buy the larger size if you can use that much.

I don’t shop when I’m hungry so I don’t buy extra things that aren’t on my list.

If I am shopping with my kids, I try to show them simple ways I save money at the grocery store.

I make many foods at home instead of buying expensive convenience foods.

I use coupons that will save me money.

I try to shop only once a week because the more often I go to the store, the more I seem to buy!

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Human Resources and the University of Maryland. The University of Maryland Extension will not discriminate against any person because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet.To find out more, contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 1-800-332-6347 or apply online at www.marylandsail.org.FSNE

Activity

1. Assemble the materials you will need (pens or pencils, Smart Shopping “Make a List!” worksheet).

2. Have each person complete the worksheet after you have explained the importance of knowing your menu, having a recipe for one of the dishes, and checking what foods you have on hand, before making a shopping list.

3.Whenpeoplehavefinishedtheworksheet,askthemtosharetheirshoppinglists. Participants might have different items on their lists. Some will have included more things than they need and others will have missed some.

4. Discuss the differences in the lists; some people are willing to make substitutions to take advantageofitemstheyhaveonhand.Alsodiscussthebenefitsofmakingashoppinglist from a planned meals and recipes.

Closing Question

• Ask, “What will you do differently after today?” (Encourage them to adopt some of the money- saving techniques, if they aren’t already doing so.)

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. The University of Maryland Extension will not discriminate against any person because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more about Maryland’s Food Supplement Program (SNAP), contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 1-800-332-6347 or apply online at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/. FSNE

FSNE Stretch Your Food Dollars

Before shopping…• Look at the food you already have on hand.• Make a shopping list.• Review your budget.• Plan meals and snacks using the MyPlate food guide.• Try to plan at least one meal a week without meat.• Search in magazines and newspapers for store specials and coupons.• Cut out coupons for foods you use.• Find out if there are any farmers’ markets in your area. (Often you can get great deals on fresh fruits and vegetables.)

Get ready to shop…• Make sure you don’t forget to take your list and coupons.• Avoid shopping if hungry, tired, or rushed.• If possible, shop alone and when the store is not crowded.

At the store…• Stick to the list.• Buy store-brand or generic items--they cost less and usually taste the same as the more expensive brands.• Think twice about convenience foods; is it a “want” or “need”?• Consider buying in “bulk”--you may get a cheaper unit price and save money.• Compare the prices of fresh, frozen, and canned foods to get the best deal.• Look at the “sell by” or “best if used by” dates on packages. Pick the package with the latest date so you get the freshest food.

When you get home…• Store food properly to avoid spoilage and waste.• Use your freezer! It’s great for leftovers.•Atmealtimes,bringplatestothetablealreadyfilledtoavoidovereating,aswellastokeepmore food for leftovers.

Adapted from the Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland! Web Site (http://www.eatsmart.umd.edu)

FSNE

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. The University of Maryland Extension will not discriminate against any person because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more about Maryland’s Food Supplement Program (SNAP), contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 1-800-332-6347 or apply online at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/.

FSNE Shopping Tips

Do coupons really save you money? Is it worth it to clip coupons?It takes a smart shopper to decide if using a coupon is worthwhile or not. Before you use a coupon, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this a food I normally use? Some shoppers can’t resist what they think is a bargain, so they buy foods they don’t use just because they have a coupon for it. Be sure you need the food item before you decide to buy it, even if you have a coupon!

• How long can this food be stored? Is the food perishable (something that will spoil in a fairly short time)? If the food goes bad before you can use it all, it is not a bargain.

• Is this a good price compared to a store brand or low-cost brand of this food? Many coupons are for national brands, but very often the store brand is cheaper, even without a coupon. Compare the cost of both products before deciding to use a coupon.

Shopping Tips

Buying Fruits and Vegetables

• Buy plain frozen or canned vegetables instead of vegetables with special sauces or seasonings. Plain vegetables are cheaper and healthier for you.

• Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when “in season”.

• Choose store brands rather than national brands of frozen or canned fruits and vegetables to get a lower price.

• Buy fruits or vegetables at the farmers’ market or a roadside stand when possible. They are often fresher andcheaperthanwhatyouwillfindatthegrocerystore.Don’tbuymorethanyoucaneat!

Buying Meat, Poultry, and Fish

•Watchforgrocerystorespecialsonmeat,fish,andchicken.Whentheygoonsale,buyinbulk,splitinto meal-size portions, and freeze them for several meals.

• Buy less luncheon meat and sausages. They are high in fat and salt.

• Buy lean meats like chicken or ground turkey. Fish is also a healthy source of protein that is low in fat.

For more tips on saving money on food, visit the Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland! website at http://www.eatsmart.umd.edu

Adapted from the Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland! Web Site (http://www.eatsmart.umd.edu)

FSNE

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. The University of Maryland Extension will not discriminate against any person because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more about Maryland’s Food Supplement Program (SNAP), contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 1-800-332-6347 or apply online at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/.

FSNE Smart Shopping “Make a List!”

HEALTHB Y D E S I G N

SHOPPING

Make a List!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS. Funding for the Food Stamp Nutrition Education

Program is provided by USDA in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Human

Resources and the University of Maryland.

Smart Shopping Worksheet

MENU

FOOD ON HAND

RECIPE

Make a list for the menu below. Check the foods on hand, and

use the recipe for spicy green beans.

Baked ChickenSpicy green beansBrown riceWhole-wheat breadAngel food cake with strawberriesLow-fat milk

1 pound fresh green beans1 teaspoon olive oil1 small onion, chopped1/4 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon oregano1 16-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1. Cook green beans until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.2. Chop onion and cook in olive oil until tender3. Add flour, oregano, and garlic powder to onions. Blend

and cook for 1 minute.4. Add tomatoes and green beans to onion mixture. Stir well

and cook over low heat until heated thoroughly.

OnionsGarlic powder1 16-ounce can of whole tomatoesFlourLeftover brown riceLow-fat milk

shopping list

FSNE

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. The University of Maryland Extension will not discriminate against any person because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more about Maryland’s Food Supplement Program (SNAP), contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 1-800-332-6347 or apply online at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/.